Then, in a subsequent conversation with him, the topic turned to me – what I was doing and more importantly, what I wanted to do.

“I’m happy,” I said. “I love it here. I love the work, I love the people.”

“Just talk to him,” said Scotty. “It can’t hurt.”

It didn’t hurt. In fact, it felt great.

I’ve always really enjoyed interviewing (I’m kinda mental that way) but this was something more – to be talking about what I do with a Great and Powerful Technology Company. It was pretty amazing.

“You should know there’s another candidate,” said Scotty.

It was mostly phone interviews – with the VP I’d be reporting to and a handful of people who would be my counterparts across the U.S. One interesting thing: They’ve all been with the company more than 7 years. So once they work there, they stay – which speaks volumes about their business and how they treat employees.

I kept telling myself: What’s the worst thing that’ll happen? I don’t get the job and I get to stay at the company I love? What’s to lose?

But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it.

I’d never worked for a company with more than 800 employees. This company has more than 80,000. I’d be working alongside Scotty, which was always fun and creative and cool. I’d be focused on one product line, only one aspect of marketing (live seminars and events) and one region.

Then there were the soft benefits. Work from home 100% of the time. A nice salary boost. Plus, I’m 43. Jim is 50. We’re in our prime holy-fuck-we-gotta-retire-eventually earning years and working for (and retiring from) a company like this makes a big difference.

Did I mention the work from home thing? Only genuine dog lovers will truly understand this, but Grommie is 10 years old. Having the option to be home with him as he gets older and needs us more is very important.

Yes, important enough to make a life-changing career move.

I started really wanting it. Really. Wanting. It.

As it turns out, they wanted me, too.

I start November 1.

I’m sad to be leaving the melty chocolate chip cookie place, but it’s a good decision for my family and my career.

It’s good for me, too.~~~~~~~~~~~~~Other good thingsJim got a new job tooHe starts the same day I doDifferent placeCrazyI keep thinking of all the things I can do with the extra 3 hours I’ll have each dayNot commutingYes, it's 1.5 hours each wayWorking out is #1 on that listWe’re loving the new show Outsourced“You treat my country like a cash register.”And“We call shirts like that wife-beaters in the U.S.”“Ironic, since I do not have a wife to beat.”I imagine there are people who do not find humor in a show about outsourced jobs to IndiaIt bothers meBut not enough to stop watching itAnd Big Bang TheorySuch an outstanding castBarefoot Shiraz is fucking awesomeEspecially with Pizza RollsYeah Pizza Rolls and wine for dinner last nightShaddap, it was goodMakes me think of my very good friend DewMamaHad yet ANOTHER fantastic weekend in Lake GenevaWith Mr. & Mrs. You Know WhoPainted their shedLong, lovely boat rideThe fall colors were magnificentWatched the sunset from the boat for the first timeThen I woke up early to watch the sunrise over the lakeListened to bantering fisherman, gathered in five or so boats near the dockAnd this (just before they shot off in different directions across the lake)“It’s smallmouth today. Everything is legal, boys. Be back here at 1.”There was comfort in their languageI really wanted to be them for the next six hoursThen Mrs. YKW met me at the dock and we went for a long walk along the lake path It was one of the best, most relaxing weekends in recent memoryTook away all the tension of giving notice on Monday“If I’d known she was looking, I would’ve offered her a job myself.”The Oatmealwww.kiva.comThe “hide” option on FacebookMy new cargo pants from TargetSuper comfy and cute“I love you and our ability to be honest with one another; and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” - JudyMade me smile, made my dayJim and I are doing dinner and a movie tonightIt’s been too longTomorrow we’re going to All Dressed Up to look for costumesFor a Halloween/50th birthday partyI am thinking about resurrecting Bride of FrankensteinOr Wicked Witch of the EastAlthough Little Red Riding Hood was fun too(If you click the link you can see the cape I wore)Discovered a spot even closer to Union Station for catching the #11 busIt’s greatJust in time to not need it anymoreOh well“If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” - Meister Eckhart~~~~~~~~~~~~~I am listening to: Cowboy Junkies - Misguided AngelI am reading: My offer letter packetAnd I am: Excited and no longer crazy